Tell Us a little something about yourself?

My name is Justin Bowsher.  I'm currently a student at Asbury College
in Wilmore, KY.  Living With Hermits is solely my own project, since
I'm fed up with trying to form a band.  My tastes are way too weird. 
I'm fine with doing all the writing and recording myself.  Its alot
easier that way.  I understand completely where Jason Martin is coming
from, and why Starflyer 59's lineup has changed so much over the
years.  Less people mean less disagreement.




What is the writing process like for you and what do you go through? 

The initial spark usually varies in origin.  It may be in class,
during church, while messing around on a guitar, the keyboard, my
sequencer, and an idea will hit.  Then I'll sit down in my room and
just see what comes to mind, with the the idea as the basis. Base
concepts range from phrases, lines, concepts for songs, etc...  
Usually, if I can't come up with a substantial amount of lyrics in one
sitting, i'll scrap the idea for a while.  But that's usually my
writing method; pounding out the bulk of the lyrics all at once, and
filling in the gaps later.  I don't necessarily have a set meaning in
mind when I'm writing lyrics.  I just want the words to sound good,
and to create a mood congruent with the music.




"Kind" was probably the highlight for me of the whole album. 
What was the inspiration behind that song? 

Kind is my favorite song on Rook as well. Probably because it is the
last song I recorded.  I'm always into what I did most recently, and I
hope that's a good thing.  The lyrical inspiration is the account of
Paul on the island of Malta in Acts chapter 28.  I usually don't draw
much from scripture during the songwriting process, but the terrain of
dream pop was so new to me on this song that I was lost on the proper
lyrical directions.  I opened my Bible and happened to fall on that
story, and it clicked.  I extrapolated a few details, and made the
narrator a man traveling with several families to a new land.  The
lyrical style came easily.  The motif of seafaring worked well with
the rhythmic nature of the piano.  That song just fell into place. 
Its one of those unplanned happenings.  I had intended to stop
recording for a while and get the album online, but Kind was recorded
on a whim over the space of two or three days.




What songs on the album are your favorites and why?

My favorite is "Kind", as I mention above.  "The Dragon Gnaws His
Tail" has a similar story, as the concept for that song came to me
suddenly.  I am proud of the sound I got with that one.  "Exiled
Monarchs" has a nice lush sound, and I'm pleased with the harmonic
details I worked into the landscape.  Its a sloppy recording,
especially as far as vocals and arrangement go, but I'm still fairly
happy with it.  Those are three songs that I step back from and say,
"I did that?"

                


If there's one thing that you want people to get out of the album,
what would it be?

I hope listeners find at least something beautiful about the album. 
Beauty is such a subjective quality, that if Rook is wide reaching
enough for one other person to find beauty, I'll be happy.




Who are some of your influences? 

I'm influenced by Sufjan Stevens, probably most of all.  Reading the
liner notes for his Michigan album inspired me to start Living With
Hermits.  I'd like to say Steve Reich, but I'm probably only saying
that because Sufjan said it first.  I draw alot from Ester Drang,
Boards of Canada, Manitoba (now called Caribou), Starflyer 59, Richard
Swift, the Cure, Duran Duran, and Stereolab.  I think I also said
Stereolab just to immitate Sufjan.  I don't even know anymore.




I like the name "Living With Hermits" Can you tell me the story behind 
it? 

I had it kind of sitting in the back of my mind for a while.  Once I
started recording and had a demo ready, that's just the name I
happened to give it.  The name was partially inspired by Benjamin
Gibbard's "All Time Quarterback" project.  It said the same thing. 
The only reason I kept the name was location.  I'm in Lexington,
Kentucky, where there's not much in the way of a music scene.  There's
not much around that excited me.  If there are any experimental,
progressive bands anywhere near me, they're practically hermits.  At
times, I'm not sure I like the name, but then I get compliments like
yours, so I think I'll keep it for a while.




What's coming up next for you?

I'm planning to get five or six songs recorded and mixed this summer. 
My hope is to get the EP taken up by a label.  If that doesn't work
out, I'll produce it independently.  I'm also delving into
performance.  I had my first live gig back in march.  I'm getting in
touch with several other artists in the area that I might start
playing some shows with.  Sylant has already expressed interest in
sharing a stage.




So what should fans expect from your next album?

I'll likely have more of a focus on the songs in upcoming projects
than I did during Rook.  I plan to explore a wide range of style and
instrumentation.  I would love to be equal parts minimalism, shoegaze,
electronica, and indie-pop.  Don't ask me what that would sound like. 
Just expect better production quality, and music that is at least more
interesting.




Anything else you'd like our readers to know that I didn't ask?

You can hear my music at www.LivingWithHermits.com.  I also have a
PureVolume and MySpace listing posted.  You can listen to a few songs
that may appear on the next LWH release.  Check it out.  And to
everyone my age who is delving into making music, the Eighties is
where it's at. Thanks for the interview.